Elements & Residence Time

Question 0

Recycling of elements: (2)

Answer 0

Earth is a closed system for elements.

If they were not recycled then life would cease to exist.

Question 1

Elements are continually transformed from

Answer 1

One chemical compound to another, as they pass through the biosphere and geosphere.

Question 2

Residence time: Atmosphere:

Answer 2

Water vapour: 11 days

Question 3

Residence time: Biosphere:

Answer 3

Soil moisture: 1-2 months.

Question 4

Residence time: Hydrosphere:

Answer 4

Water in the oceans: 4000 years.

Question 5

Residence time: Geosphere:

Answer 5

Oceanic crust: 60 ma

Continental crust: 650 ma.